Saint Ignatius of Antioch
Bishop and Martyr, Memorial
Liturgical Cycle: A, B, C | Lectionary Cycle: I, II
Introduction
Bishop of Antioch in the 1st century, Ignatius was arrested and condemned to be thrown to the beasts. On his way to Rome, several Christian communities received him with great veneration. He thanked them in letters written during his journey, encouraged them to hold on to the faith and to remain united with the hierarchy “as strings on a lyre.” He requested Christians not to keep him from dying a martyr, for “I am the wheat of Christ; let the teeth of the lions grind me, that I may become the stainless bread of Christ.”
We too become the bread of Christ and our life must become a eucharist, an offering of thanksgiving with Christ.
Opening Prayer
God, our steadfast hope,
St Ignatius of Antioch knew that in his martyrdom
he identified with your Son Jesus.
Like Jesus he was planted as a grain of wheat
in the furrows of the earth.
Let there grow from his death too
an abundant harvest of a new humanity.
Give your people to follow him
so that our love and deep faith
may bring life and joy to many.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
First Reading
Paul’s Example
Unite in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and observe those who walk according to our way of life.
For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. I have told you this many times, and now I say it with tears:
they are headed for destruction; their stomachs are their gods, and they are proud of what should be their shame. They only think about earthly things.
But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for the Savior from there, Jesus Christ, the Lord.
He will transform our humble bodies to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, you are my glory and crown; be steadfast in the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
R. (5) The Lord delivered me from all my fears.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The Lord delivered me from all my fears.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The Lord set me free from all my fears.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The Lord delivered me from all my fears.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord delivered me from all my fears.
Alleluia Verse
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation,
for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Truly, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Those who love their life destroy it, and those who despise their life in this world save it even to eternal life.
Whoever wants to serve me, let him follow me; and wherever I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
Prayers of the Faithful
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord our God,
in these signs of bread and wine
we remember Jesus, your Son,
who gave himself to all
as bread broken and shared
and as wine to be poured for the joy of all.
Give us the spirit of Jesus,
that we too may commit ourselves
to the happiness of those around us
Make us willing to accept suffering
if this is the price to pay
for being faithful to you and to people.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Lord, our faithful God,
on account of his love for you and for us,
no suffering was too painful for your Son,
no death too costly
to win for us lasting life and happiness.
Through this eucharist help us to accept
the invitations and risks of love.
Make us follow your Son
in living not for ourselves but for others
and give us the certainty
that pain or death is not the end
but the seed of a new beginning
in Christ Jesus our Lord.